The fashion industry constantly evolves and is currently undergoing eco-friendly changes. Fast fashion significantly impacts the environment. It comes from greenhouse gases, pollution, and non-renewable resource use. It concerns the manufacturing methods and the amount of wastage that is done.
The industry will be more eco-friendly by providing more options that offset the effects of fast fashion – and the now-called “ultra-fast fashion.” All of us should take a more eco-friendly approach to fashion. This can feel like a challenge, especially for those on a budget. We have put together the following guide to help.
Refuse Impulse Purchases
Avoid picking up cheap products that aren’t eco-friendly. These products usually will be thrown away quickly due to their poor quality. You can make a concerted effort to buy less, which saves you money in the long run.
Think about purchases before you make them. Aim to purchase better quality eco-friendly gear that will last longer. Designer products, while more expensive, are often well-made and far more likely to last longer than fast fashion imitations. You can visit ssense.com for the latest Gucci women’s range.
Check Out Eco-Friendly Brands
Many new brands have formed that are dedicated to eco-friendly fashion. This is due to rising popularity from consumers, as well as changing trends and manufacturing methods.
These eco-friendly brands will use upcycled textiles and materials when creating fashion items. They will use up dead stock and offcuts to ensure nothing goes to waste. This can mean the prices are increased, which is something to consider when exploring eco-friendly brands.
Fashinnovation has a Directory fully dedicated to eco-conscious brands. Check it out!
Watch Out for Greenwashing
There is a growing trend within consumer-driven industries whereby brands falsely claim to be eco-friendly. They want to entice consumers by claiming that their products are environmentally friendly when this is not the case. This is known as greenwashing, and you should watch out for it in the fashion industry.
You can spot brands that do this by watching out for the materials they use and researching the manufacturing methods. Non-sustainable brands that do this will use buzzwords without evidence to back them up. When trying to find new brands to buy from, you should always do your research to ensure that they can back up their claims. Avoid shopping with brands that engage with greenwashing. This small act will help you shop with more eco-friendly brands.
Get Into Thrifting
Build more eco-friendly habits in your approach to fashion by thrifting or buying items second-hand. There are several ways that you can do this. You can check out online marketplaces like Depop, Vinted, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace and buy cool, unique pieces. Furthermore, you could head to your local thrift stores too.
You can often find some really cute vintage pieces. Older clothes may last longer if they are better quality and have lasted this long. It is also one of the only ways to guarantee that your friends won’t have the same clothes as you.
Explore Vegan Fashion
Some specific materials are derived from animals, like wool or leather. These materials are often more expensive than synthetic alternatives but tend to last longer. The issue is that their creation does often contribute to environmental issues as well as ethical concerns.
This is why many consumers have begun to explore vegan alternatives that do not come with the same ethical issues as leather or wool. You should know that some vegan alternatives are made from synthetics that are just as harmful to the environment. Vegan options are worth exploring, but remember that a vegan label does not necessarily mean that the clothes are better for the environment.
Look After Your Clothes Properly
The most eco-friendly option when it comes to clothing is often the clothing that you already own. Make sure that you are looking after your clothes. Avoid over-washing your clothes and follow label instructions where you can. If you don’t wear something anymore, don’t just throw them away. If something breaks, then do your best to repair it.
Upcycle clothes that can’t be repaired. This allows you to find another use for the fabric. Donate clothes you don’t want anymore to a thrift store or to a charity. Speak to family members and find out if they want anything. Throwing clothes out should be the last choice you make.
To Sum Up
The consumption of fast fashion is a huge contributor to global warming and pollution. There are several environmental concerns that the industry faces. This is from the consumer point of view, as well as the business side. Take a more eco-friendly approach to fashion by following the tips outlined in this article. This can help you get on top of environmental concerns.
Incorporate several smaller habits in your approach to fashion and style that are more eco-friendly. Avoid fast fashion where you can. Stop making impulse purchases and commit to buying more second-hand where possible.
Sustainability is one of Fashinnovation’s pillars & you’ll find plenty of content about it on our blog. Here’s another article you’ll like: THE FUTURE LOOKS GREEN: SUSTAINABLE FASHION TRENDS!
* Written by Isabella Goode
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Fashinnovation’s columnists are their own, not those of Fashinnovation.
